Larry Katz

Advances in the application of information technology to sport performance

This paper overviews the diverse information technologies that are used to provide athletes with relevant feedback. Examples taken from various sports are used to illustrate selected applications of technology-based feedback. Several feedback systems are discussed, including vision, audition and proprioception. Each technology described here is based on the assumption that feedback would eventually enhance skill acquisition and sport performance and, as such, its usefulness to athletes and coaches in training is critically evaluated.

Evaluation of the reliability and validity of the cognitive styles analysis

The most frequently used computerized measure of cognitive styles is Ridings Cognitive Styles Analysis (CSA). Although CSA is not well known in North American institutions, it is quite popular among European universities and organizations. Unlike many other measures of cognitive style inventories, CSA has been under substantial empirical investigation. After investigating several cognitive style inventories the authors found the structure and the theoretical support of (CSA) to be more powerful than that of others. However, no empirical research has been conducted on the reliability of CSA. In this project three different experiments were conducted with three different samples to investigate the reliability of CSA. In all three experiments the reliability was shown to be low. Considering the profound theoretical background of CSA, and also regarding the difference in the reliability of the two dimensions of the test, some suggestions are presented in this paper to improve the validity and reliability of CSA. The authors expect that these comments and suggestions would be useful not only for improving CSA, but also for designing any other cognitive or learning style test.

Computer and manual administration of the Eysenck Personality Inventory.

Administered mental health patients (10 outpatients and 8 inpatients) the Eysenck Personality Inventory using computerized and manual format. In a cross-over, counterbalanced design scores for the three EPI scales did not differ between administrations. Test-retest reliability between forms was high and comparable to previous reliability reported for the manual form. It was suggested that automation of routine testing procedures may be a viable and economical alternative to traditional methods.

Computer-Assisted and Traditional Psychological Assessment of Elementary-School-Aged Children

Abstract Computer-assisted psychological assessment was evaluated as a possible alternative to traditional assessment methods. Forty gifted children and forty behavior problem children were administered the State Anxiety and FIRO-BC personality inventories. Half from each group were tested using a cathode ray tube computer terminal while the others were given standard written forms of the tests. All children were retested at a mean interval of 1 week using the same procedures. Test—retest correlations were significant for all six FIRO-BC personality scales regardless of assessment method. Time required to administer and score the inventories was significantly reduced by the computer procedure. While the childrens initial perceptions of computers were generally favorable, the perceptions of those children who received the computerized tests significantly increased. Measures of mean state anxiety were uniform with all groups showing significant decreases from first to second testing sessions. These findings suggested that interactive computer assessment may provide a viable alternative to traditional assessment methods with children.

Intra-Rater and Inter-Rater Reliability of the Balance Error Scoring System in Pre-Adolescent School Children

This study was designed to test the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the University of North Carolinas Balance Error Scoring System in 9- and 10-year-old children. Additionally, a modified version of the Balance Error Scoring System was tested to determine if it was more sensitive in this population (“raw scores”). Forty-six normally developing fourth-grade students underwent balance testing. Twelve trials measured static and dynamic balance. Four adult raters scored the balance tests to yield Cronbachs alpha scores of reliability. Intra-rater University of North Carolina Balance Error Scoring System α varied from .73 to .94 and .94 to .99 when using the raw scores. The inter-rater University of North Carolina Balance Error Scoring System α of the four raters ranged from .77 to .95 and from .88 to .98 when using the raw scores. The University of North Carolina Balance Error Scoring System shows high reliability when used with fourth-grade elementary school children; however, raw scores may show greater reliability in a population of children.

Exergaming as an Alternative for Students Unmotivated to Participate in Regular Physical Education Classes

With the novelty of exergames, an alternative form of entertainment and exercise emerged especially for physical education PE. While video games have been historically associated to problems such as obesity, social introversion and aggressive behavior, exergames brought a new perspective in which these cultural artifacts could contribute to peoples education concerning the practice of physical activity. This article presents a study about the setting up of an exergame lab focusing on kids and preadolescents who usually show signs of dissatisfaction with PE. The research methodology followed a qualitative observation approach, involving twenty-four students of both genders for three months. Results demonstrated that students who were normally unmotivated to participate in PE classes showed a positive attitude regarding the exergame practices and demonstrated their willingness to collaborate with peers. The study also showed that exergaming provides situations in which students can increase the regularity of their practice of physical exercises.

Validity of a portable force platform for assessing biomechanical parameters in three different tasks

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the precision and accuracy of the vertical and anterior–posterior force components of the portable PASCO PS-2142 force plate. Impulse, peak force, and time to peak force were assessed and compared to a gold standard force plate in three different tasks: vertical jump, forward jump, and sprint start. Two healthy male participants performed ten trials for each task, resulting in 60 trials. Data analyses revealed good precision and accuracy for the vertical component of the portable force plate, with relative bias and root mean square (RMS) error values nearly the same in all tasks for the impulse, time to peak force, and peak force parameters. Precision and accuracy of the anterior–posterior component were lower for the impulse and time to peak force, with relative bias and RMS error values nearly the same between tasks. Despite the lower precision and accuracy of the anterior–posterior component of the portable force plate, these errors were systematic, reflecting a good repeatability of the measure. In addition, all variables presented good agreement between the portable and gold standard platforms. Our results provide a good perspective for using the aforementioned portable force plate in sports and clinical biomechanics.

Considerations for Using Personal Wi-Fi Enabled Devices as "Clickers" in a Large University Class.

Interactive student response systems, commonly referred to as clickers, have increased in popularity in higher education classrooms as a means to improve engagement and enhance learning. Clicker systems come with handheld devices as well as a radio frequency receiver. A Wi-Fi connection to the receiver is possible, enabling students to use their personal smartphones, tablets, or laptops instead of the handheld device. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of students using their personal Wi-Fi enabled devices as clickers in a large university class. In addition, we sought to elicit student perceptions of clicker use in general. Overall, the majority of students preferred using their personal devices, thus saving several minutes of class time in distribution and collection. Students gave very positive feedback on the use of clickers; however, they did not like that clickers could be used to track attendance and participation.

Comparison of Polar M600 Optical Heart Rate and Ecg Heart Rate during Exercise

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Polar M600 optical heart rate (OHR) sensor compared with ECG heart rate (HR) measurement during various physical activities. Methods Thirty-six subjects participated in a continuous 76-min testing session, which included rest, cycling warm-up, cycling intervals, circuit weight training, treadmill intervals, and recovery. HR was measured using a three-lead ECG configuration and a Polar M600 Sport Watch on the left wrist. Statistical analyses included OHR percent accuracy, mean difference, mean absolute error, Bland–Altman plots, and a repeated-measures generalized estimating equation design. OHR percent accuracy was calculated as the percentage of occurrences where OHR measurement was within and including ±5 bpm from the ECG HR value. Results Of the four exercise phases performed, the highest OHR percent accuracy was found during cycle intervals (91.8%), and the lowest OHR percent accuracy occurred during circuit weight training (34.5%). OHR percent accuracy improved steadily within exercise transitions during cycle intervals to a maximum of 98.5% and during treadmill intervals to a maximum of 89.0%. Lags in HR calculated by the Polar M600 OHR sensor existed in comparison to ECG HR, when exercise intensity changed until steady state occurred. There was a tendency for OHR underestimation during intensity increases and overestimation during intensity decreases. No statistically significant interaction effect with device was found in this sample on the basis of sex, body mass index, V˙O2max, skin type, or wrist size. Conclusions The Polar M600 was accurate during periods of steady-state cycling, walking, jogging, and running, but less accurate during some exercise intensity changes, which may be attributed to factors related to total peripheral resistance changes and pulse pressure.

Kinematic and kinetic analysis of overhand, sidearm and underhand lacrosse shot techniques

ABSTRACT Lacrosse requires the coordinated performance of many complex skills. One of these skills is shooting on the opponents’ net using one of three techniques: overhand, sidearm or underhand. The purpose of this study was to (i) determine which technique generated the highest ball velocity and greatest shot accuracy and (ii) identify kinematic and kinetic variables that contribute to a high velocity and high accuracy shot. Twelve elite male lacrosse players participated in this study. Kinematic data were sampled at 250 Hz, while two-dimensional force plates collected ground reaction force data (1000 Hz). Statistical analysis showed significantly greater ball velocity for the sidearm technique than overhand (P < 0.001) and underhand (P < 0.001) techniques. No statistical difference was found for shot accuracy (P > 0.05). Kinematic and kinetic variables were not significantly correlated to shot accuracy or velocity across all shot types; however, when analysed independently, the lead foot horizontal impulse showed a negative correlation with underhand ball velocity (P = 0.042). This study identifies the technique with the highest ball velocity, defines kinematic and kinetic predictors related to ball velocity and provides information to coaches and athletes concerned with improving lacrosse shot performance.